Ever since Jeangu Macrooy was announced as the Dutch act for Eurovision 2020, one question has lingered: how exactly is his name pronounced? It turns out Eurovision fans aren’t the only ones who have been wondering. So to clear up any doubts, the singer made short video explaining the ins and out of his name and how to pronounce it.

In a segment for the popular Dutch chat show De Wereld Draait Door, Jeangu schooled presenter Emma Wortelboer on how to say his name correctly.

The video began with a montage of people trying — not always successfully — to pronounce Jeangu. Among the bunch was wiwibloggs’ own William and Deban, who both let out a fierce “JEANGUUUUUUUU”. It turns out this is not entirely correct.

Jeangu also explained the origins of his name. It’s a portmanteau, taking half of his mum’s name (Jeannette) and half of his dad’s name (Guno). Together, his parents created a unique name for their son — we’re pretty sure there won’t be any other Jeangus in the world!

He also told Emma the weirdest mispronunciation he’s had — something that sounds like “Zshonzshu”.

How is Jeangu pronounced?

Jeangu also recorded a public service announcement to make it easier for people to get the pronunciation right.

For the first syllable, think of the common French name Jean. Perhaps the fashion designer (and Eurovision superfan) Jean Paul Gaultier, or Monaco’s Eurovision 1969 singer Jean-Jacques.

As for the second syllable, Jeangu recommends thinking of other words that rhyme with it, like the Dutch words paraplu (umbrella), menu (menu!), jus (juice), tenue (uniform).

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend that English speakers use these examples, due to differences in pronunciation. But Jean also threw in a few French words that might be more helpful. The final syllable of deja vu and the French greeting salut will set you in the right direction.

Just think of Jeangu and his French friend and you’ll be good. Come May, there should be no excuse for getting his name wrong!

Read more Netherlands Eurovision 2020 news here

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Femke Letteboer
Femke Letteboer
4 years ago

Wat een heerlijke man

Dawid
Dawid
4 years ago

Wow, exactly how I thought .-. I expected some twist tbh

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

IDK why, but I have really high expectations from him!
Actually, I do know why – Duncan, Ilse & Waylon, Anouk, Og3ne, Douwe Bob, ect. The Netherlands has a reputation to keep. 🙂

Apple
Apple
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I see you just glossing over Trijntje >.>

Colin
Colin
4 years ago
Reply to  Apple

Yeah, I didn’t find her song as exciting and the staging was certainly not helping either. It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t find it as good as other Dutch recent entries. Trijntje is a very good singer, though.

Kris
Kris
4 years ago

I named one of my neice the same way , from her parents name

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

I say jenga macron and nobody is gonna change that